Cost of Living: Moreno Valley, CA vs Pasadena, TX (2026)

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Moreno Valley is 89% more expensive than Pasadena.

$2,036/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 41%
$87,477/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 27%
$461,400 ↑ 138%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 58%
$1,980/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 42%
210,378
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $835/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $10,020/year.

Median household income is $23,207/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Pasadena?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $835/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Pasadena?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $23,207/year higher in Moreno Valley.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Moreno Valley or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Pasadena

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